Are Lee Co. voters' rights being suppressed?

A growing number of Lee County voters are claiming the county is suppressing their voting rights.

They want open primaries when it comes to electing commissioners.

Unless you're registered with one of the two major political parties, you may not get a say in who your next commissioner will be in Lee County.

All citywide offices in Lee County along with the school board are nonpartisan races.

Many say the commission race should be the same.

“Most of the time people are biased based on their party of choice. I feel like it's more important the value people have rather than the party they're affiliated with,” Lee County resident, Ibrahim Alamoudi said.

Independent voters like Alamoudi are growing faster than any other party in Lee County and Florida.

“We focus on these parties and I feel like they're just kind of a distraction,” explained Jorge Biso of Fort Myers.

Many independents argue the GOP stronghold on the county gives them little say in the county commission race.

“I think a label-free lifestyle, not only in politics but in general, is a healthy direction,” said Andrew Stamps.

Republican Dick Anderson ran for commissioner in 2016 and lost by 1,000 votes.

He says he wants all voters to have a say.

“Eight percent of registered voters in Lee County elected the District Three Commissioner. That's pretty shocking,” Anderson said.

Commissioner Brian Haman is against the change.

"Voters should have all the information available to make educated decisions, including what party a candidate is aligned with,” Haman said.

“I'd like to do my own research on the person. Regardless of republican or democrat. To kind of more or less to see what I relate to and believe in,” said Ashley Gray.

The League of Women Voters is also backing the open primary concept.

“We feel all registered voters should have the right to make their voice heard,” said Clara Anne, League of Women Voters.

Lee voter freedom needs more than 30,000 signatures to get the issue on the November 2018 ballot.